The Archangels Battle Read online

  “Shall we check in?” Raphael asked.

  Michael shook his head. “They’ll be back with intel. Unless Uri is just shagging the goddess’s brains out.”

  “Perhaps it’s his brains that have gone.”

  Michael smirked and glanced over at the new queen. She was swaying to the music, looking at him over her shoulder. He turned back to Raphael, who was smirking, then laughed as one of the angels dragged his brother onto the dance floor.

  Michael took that moment to walk outside for some fresh air. He was a little uneasy about the archangels being on Olympus, given the circumstances. Not that they weren’t capable of looking after themselves, but it was strange for them not to report.

  He gave in and reached out.

  Gabriel.

  Brother.

  Are you heading back?

  Ah. We’re kind of at a family dinner.

  Family...what? With whom?

  Silence.

  Gabe.

  Um...Persephone’s Mom and Dad.

  A low growl hit the back of his throat just as he felt a hand on his bicep. Looking down, he found Regina standing beside him, holding onto a glass of ambrosia while swaying her hips.

  What the actual fuck. You mean Zeus and Hera?

  Um. Yes.

  He let out a long sigh.

  “What troubles you, archangel?” the siren asked. She was looking far too delicious, and he felt himself suddenly in need of an outlet.

  “You would be wise to go back inside, little witch.”

  She grinned and circled him, her hands running over his bare chest and back. The feel of her fingers dancing over his skin sent sparks of electricity to his groin. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was using magic. She wasn’t; he’d sense if she was and break her damn fingers in an instant. There was a zero-tolerance policy for the use of magic in Heaven, except for the witches they employed to create the wards that protected the place, and they were ancient beings with powers far greater than hers.

  “I’ve never been wise, so where does that leave us?” she asked, standing in front of him now. She ran her tongue over her lips as her fingers slowly ran down the center of his chest.

  Further. Further.

  He gripped her wrist and leaned down. “There is no us, Regina. If you expect this to get you any privileges, then you are mistaken.”

  She laughed.

  He narrowed his eyes at her.

  “Archangel,” she started, “you have this whole sexy and broody thing going on, and damn, it’s hot. I’ve seen you watching me, and I believe we could have some wild, sexy fun together. But if you aren’t interested, then I’ll find someone else to play with.” With that, she swung her hips and made her way inside.

  Well, shit.

  Michael couldn’t remember the last time a female had walked away from him. Wild, sexy fun. Perhaps she might be the distraction he needed to stop these dreams.

  Dinner’s over, Gabe. Get back here.

  No can do. Uri’s lost in wonderland again, so I have to wait to bring him home.

  Fine. I’ll be there in the morning. Just...fuck, get whatever information you can out of Zeus, but be careful, Gabriel.

  Will do.

  Michael walked back inside the establishment and looked around for Regina. She was in the middle of the floor with Jophiel, Chamuel, and about six other angels dancing seductively to the music. Someone had their hands on her hips, guiding her movements, while her hands were running down another’s chest, their hands on...basically, it was a spaghetti of bodies. Nothing new there.

  Except, he’d decided he wanted her body tonight. Whether he liked it or not, she had captured his attention; or at least, his cock’s attention. He gave it a slight nudge as he made a beeline for her.

  Stepping into the circle, he felt hands run over his body. He smiled down at one angel and placed a hand on her cheek. He felt such love and protection for these beings of light. As sexual and mischievous as they were, they were light bringers across the universe.

  “I love them,” Regina purred.

  “They’re precious. Remember that.”

  “I will,” she replied, turning and rubbing herself against him. Her hand slipped lower and cupped him.

  He groaned and thrust his hand through her hair, clutching it. “You like it wild, Regina?” Her eyes lit up like fire. Oh yeah, she did. “Let’s go.”

  Michael glanced across at Raphael, who was seated with an angel on his lap, grinding in delight. He didn’t bother to say goodbye. His brothers could always reach him if they needed anything, and right now, it looked like they had all they desired.

  He whipped one arm around the queen’s waist, and in her ear whispered, “Close your eyes.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  MICHAEL FLASHED INTO his bedroom and waited for Regina to catch her balance.

  “Okay, a little more warning would have been nice.”

  He grinned. “Your first time?”

  “Well, given archangels are the only ones able to teleport, then yes, obviously it is my first time.”

  His smile faded as he nudged the fabric off her shoulders, tilting her head up to his. “Tonight, we pleasure each other, but you need to remember two things. One, I am in charge, and that will never change. Second, there is no exclusivity with me. I will ask nothing of you in return. Do you understand?”

  “How do you know you won’t want me again?”

  Michael stared down at the confident female, unsure if he found her irresistible or irritating. He nudged the dress down further until her breasts were exposed. He took one in his hand, rubbing his thumb over her nipple. When her mouth opened, he leaned down and plunged his tongue inside. She reacted with the same vigor.

  With the other hand, he ripped the dress open and dropped it to the ground. She was naked underneath, her skin creamy and soft, a single tattoo sitting on the inside of one hip. An infinity symbol.

  Michael sat on the bed and pulled her to him, laying her over his knees. He slapped her ass, enjoying the sight of her skin turning red. He did this repeatedly, and then spread her cheeks. Running his thumb over her asshole with one hand, he pressed into her with the fingers of his other.

  Wet. Tight and wet.

  Regina groaned.

  “Good girl.”

  He continued the stimulation as he slapped her pussy. When she cried out, he pulled her up and let her fall to her knees in front of him. Flashing away his clothes, his cock bounced free.

  “In your mouth, queen.”

  Spreading his legs, he gripped the back of her neck and pulled her in closer.

  “Michael, fuck.”

  “Oh, yeah, I will, don’t you worry,” he said as he pushed her down onto him. Her mouth surrounded his cock, and she began to lick and suck him expertly. “Yes, fuck, like that.”

  She added her hand and stroked him, taking him deep. When her eyes lifted to meet his, he held them; she deserved the respect while bringing him such pleasure. He hated to admit it, but he might be back for seconds if she was this fucking good.

  Taking her face, he removed himself; he didn’t want to come so soon. Lifting her to her feet, he pulled her on top of him, sinking into her wet, plump goodness.

  “Yes, oh yessss.” She rode him like a damn horse.

  Michael pinched her nipples as she bounced on top of him, clutching his shoulders and flinging her head back. He reached around, pushing his finger into her ass.

  “Fuck,” she cried.

  He flipped them, pulling her legs around him and sinking in deeper. Pushing them further up the bed, he lifted her arms and tied them with cords.

  “No, wait.”

  “Don’t like being restrained, my little control freak?” He smiled, flicking her nipples. “Tell me to stop and I will.” As he waited, still inside her, she tightened around him. “I’ll take that as permission to continue.”

  “Bastard,” she groaned, arching her body into his.

  He thumbed her clit, then
circled it as he leaned down, sucking on her pink, solid nubs. When she cried out, his cock swelled, and he exploded.

  “Yesss, God, yes!”

  Up against the wall, half off the bed, and bending over the armchair; he fucked her over and over. Finally, they both collapsed and lay on the sweat-drenched sheets. For the first time in a long time, he felt fully sated.

  “You are a surprise, witch.”

  “I am dead, is what I am.” He raised an eyebrow. “Okay, yes, I am dead. But I’m exhausted dead,” she clarified, rolling onto his chest.

  Nope. No. Nope. He didn’t do cuddling. “You should return to your chamber,” he said, sitting up.

  She sighed. “Fine.”

  “But you were right. I can see a repeat performance happening one day in the future.”

  “Be still my beating heart,” she replied sarcastically.

  He shrugged. “I told you how it would be, female. I am an archangel. This isn’t Earth.”

  She tugged a sheet from the bed and wrapped it around her. Michael stood and gently took it from her, then waved his hand and dressed her in a flowing white Grecian-style gown.

  “Thank you,” she said, delighting in the beautiful fabric. “I am adjusting to this new life of mine. Bear with me.”

  He gripped the back of her head and kissed her, harsh and without promise, but she deserved a farewell. “Go. Sleep soundly, queen. I will check on you tomorrow eve.”

  He heard the door close and turned to his bed. Another wave of his hand, and the bed linen was refreshed. He climbed inside the black sheets and stretched out his long, solid limbs, star fishing it. He shoved his hands under his head and closed his eyes.

  Soon, the images of his blonde female returned, and a twinge of guilt crossed his mind. Shit. He pushed her images away, but not before wondering...who the hell are you?

  CHAPTER NINE

  MICHAEL AND RAPHAEL landed on Olympus early the next morning.

  “I wonder if we’re too late for breakfast?” Raphael quipped. “You know, because we missed out on the family dinner.”

  “You’re a dick.”

  Laughing, Raphael followed him along the path to Aphrodite’s home. Unlike Artemis, she had her own sizeable home with staff.

  Michael had attempted to reach Uriel last night and this morning, but he had ignored him; it wasn’t the first time. His only consolation was that Michael knew if he red-flagged him for an archangel emergency, Uriel would be out of the goddess’s house in mere moments. But he wouldn’t do that. It would be a breach of trust.

  That didn’t mean he was beyond going in and dragging the guy out.

  Uri, we’re coming in, brother. Final warning. You have sixty seconds.

  Ten minutes!

  Dude, we’ve been waiting all night.

  Ten. Minutes.

  Christ.

  He turned to Raphael. “Let’s take a seat. He’s...actually, I don’t want to know what he’s doing, but he’s going to be a few more minutes.”

  “Where’s Gabriel?”

  “Right here.”

  As they turned to take in the blond archangel, Michael cringed. Raphael let out a kind of coughing choke sound, which he knew was originally a laugh. Behind Gabriel was Artemis.

  “Michael. I knew you’d be back,” she said, sitting next to him.

  He stood, irritation pouring off him. He didn’t want to be rude, but neither did he want to give mixed signals. “We’re just here to bring my brothers home.”

  “Yes. I’ve missed you.”

  Christ.

  Raphael had another coughing issue.

  “How’s the new queen?” Gabriel asked, sitting down.

  “We don’t have a new queen,” Artemis answered, confused.

  “Not you. Michael.”

  He crossed his arms, stepping away from the goddess. “She is...interesting.”

  Gabe and Raphael exchanged glances before Gabriel burst into laughter. “Are you kidding me?”

  Michael glared at them. He didn’t know if they were using telepathy, but he wasn’t having this conversation in front of the goddess. “Drop it. Where the fuck is Uriel. Uri, get your ass out here!”

  Artemis crossed her arms. “Who is this queen? The queen of what? Is she your queen?”

  “She was last night,” Raphael mumbled, laughing.

  Uriel and Aphrodite stepped out of the house. He was doing up his pants while she braided her long hair, a picture of domesticity—of sorts. Michael watched as his brother turned and pulled the goddess up to plant a long, deep kiss on her lips.

  He raised a single brow and shook his head. A noise beside him had him looking down. Artemis glared at him. “What?”

  “Did you sleep with her?”

  “Who?”

  “This queen.”

  Michael looked around at his brothers as if looking for the answers to the universe. Everyone suddenly had fingernail issues and began grooming. He returned his eyes to Artemis. “Yes. I did. I told you—”

  As she began hurtling abuse at him, he saw her energy rising. The goddesses were powerful females in their own rights. Not more than him, but the last thing he needed was a confrontation in the streets of Olympus to draw Zeus out at such a precarious time. He grabbed one of her wrists as her arm rose, then the other. He turned to Aphrodite.

  “Dite, get a hold of your sister before this escalates.”

  The goddess glanced at Uriel, who gave her a look of encouragement, and she nodded, racing to her sister’s side to calm her. While the energy subsided, the language did not.

  “You dog. How dare you sleep with me one night and then jump into that whore’s bed?”

  He shook his head. Pointing at Uriel accusingly, he said, “This is your fault.”

  “Uh, why?”

  “Whatever this shit is between you and Aphrodite, now they all think we’re boyfriend material.” He placed his hands on his hips. “News flash, everyone. We’re not!”

  As a round of noes came out of all the archangels’ mouths, the two goddesses stopped and looked at them.

  “Well, we’re not. Fact. Since forever,” Michael repeated.

  “What are you talking about? I’ve slept with other females,” Uriel said.

  “Oh, shit,” Raphael muttered as they all took in Aphrodite’s reddening face.

  “You’ve WHAT?!”

  The ground around them rumbled as she roared. Uriel crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her. The staring continued while they all waited. Even Artemis stopped talking.

  More staring.

  Uri walked across the space and took her hand, tugging her to him before he took her face in his hands and kissed her. Long and deep.

  Ugh.

  “Fuck, I’m out of here,” Michael said. He glanced at Artemis. He didn’t blame her for being confused with that shit in her face, but he wasn’t going to lie, either. “Take care of yourself, goddess.” As he walked off, he yelled, “Two minutes, Uriel. You have two fucking minutes.”

  He felt Raphael and Gabriel following in his wake.

  “Fucking weird.”

  “What’s wrong with him?”

  “My father is going to control Heaven, Michael. Then you’ll want me!” Artemis called out.

  Michael turned and watched as Raphael and Gabriel ran their hands over their faces. Awkward AF didn’t begin to describe it.

  “I am not your enemy, goddess. But I have tolerated your father for long enough. If he comes near the gates of Heaven, he will know my wrath.”

  Michael spread his enormous white wings, their ethereal light blinding. Uriel stepped in beside his brothers, and they all let their wings out.

  “Tell him we are ready for him.”

  They rose into the heavens.

  CHAPTER TEN

  RAPHAEL KICKED THE guy in the foot. “Seriously. Explain.”

  Uriel kicked him back, irritated, which was unusual for the usually cheeky and easy-going archangel. “Fuck off.”

  Micha
el stared at him. “You really haven’t slept with any other female?” The look he received back was one of death in that brotherly I’m-going-to-kill-you-but-I-can’t-because-you’re-an-eternal-being kind of way. “Fuck me. You haven’t?”

  Uriel stood up and planted his hands on his hips. He began pacing the large woven mat as the archangels shared uncomfortable glances. This was highly irregular. All of them lived rich sexual lives. Sure, they had times of celibacy, but never because of a single lover. That spoke of monogamy, which was not in their DNA.

  “Not all of us are whores. Zadkiel doesn’t go around screwing every male or female who looks his way. Joph isn’t as promiscuous as Raphael.”

  “Hey!”

  “Well, it’s true. How many have you slept with this month?”

  “Fair point.”

  “What is the point, Uri, is that you were an active member of Whores R Us, and no one seemed to notice when you quit. How did we not notice?” Gabe asked, looking around.

  They all shrugged.

  Uriel shook his head. “You’re a bunch of idiots. What do you think is going to happen?”

  “Personally, I wouldn’t want Zeus as a father-in-law,” Raphael quipped and then shrugged as Michael glared at him. “What? Think about it.”

  “Missed the point, bro.”

  Uriel growled out his frustration and slammed his hand against the wall, making it shake. Some of the stone crumbled to the ground, and he kicked it away. A wave of his hand, and the crack in the wall was repaired. The citizens of Heaven were used to the power of the archangels. They knew they were in no danger, but there were times the brothers were given a wide berth.

  Michael was the worst.

  “It’s been ten years since I last saw Aphrodite; you all know that. We have great sex, so what. There’s no shame in enjoying pleasure with the same female. I will not apologize for it.”

  Michael leaned back in his chair and rubbed his jaw. “Be careful, brother. Raphael may not be far off the mark. The gods mate and get married. Be sure she knows she won’t find a life partner in an archangel.”

  Zeus and Hera were married, as were many of the Titan gods.